- Jack Grealish, the 28-year-old England regular and former Aston Villa leader, made a significant move to Manchester City for a whopping £100 million. However, his early days at the Premier League champions were challenging as he struggled to find his footing amidst the new surroundings and Pep Guardiola’s distinctive methodology. It wasn’t until later that Grealish truly showcased his abilities, especially in the final weeks of the last season when City achieved a historic treble.
Grealish believes a turning point came after the World Cup during the middle of the season, following England’s heart-wrenching quarterfinal exit at the hands of France. Upon his return, he displayed a notable improvement, netting four goals and providing seven assists in 20 games. Notably, he played pivotal roles in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, featuring for nearly the entire duration of both matches. Grealish’s contribution extended to starting 15 consecutive Premier League games as City marched confidently towards their third consecutive title.
On a recent appearance on the club’s podcast, Grealish delved into his experiences at the Etihad Stadium and beyond, specifically highlighting a moment that signified Guardiola’s trust in him. He emphasized his desire to feel valued and acknowledged being a player driven by ego. He pinpointed a game against Leeds, immediately after the World Cup, where he missed opportunities to score in the first half but rallied in the second, assisting Erling Haaland with two goals. Another significant encounter followed, where he assisted Riyad Mahrez’s goal after being subbed on against Chelsea.
According to Grealish, these instances marked a turning point as he began to consistently find the back of the net. He attributed this to Guardiola’s confidence in him, evident in being consistently chosen for significant matches against formidable opponents like Arsenal and Tottenham. Grealish emphasized the importance of actions over words, stating that while Guardiola didn’t explicitly express his trust, the consistent selection for crucial games spoke volumes.
